TUM and NTU bring alumni and students together in Munich
Alumni, TUM Global, News |
The evening was hosted by Prof. Juliane Winkelmann, TUM’s Executive Vice President for International Alliances and Alumni, and Prof. Boh Wai Fong, NTU’s Vice President for Lifelong Learning & Alumni Engagement. In their welcoming remarks, they highlighted the importance of international networks and maintaining a lifelong connection with one’s alma mater.
The event also reflected the close relationship between the two partner universities, which have worked successfully together for many years in research, education, and talent development.
Participants also received a video message from Chong Hock Lee (Mechanical Engineering, Class of 2001), a TUM alumnus and Singapore’s Ambassador to Germany. He praised the strong ties between Germany and Singapore and emphasized the important role alumni play as bridges between countries, cultures, and institutions.
Insights on AI, digital transformation, and global markets
A highlight of the evening was the keynote address by Prof. Byoung-Hyoun Hwang of Nanyang Business School. In his talk, “AI and the Future of Finance,” he examined the impact of artificial intelligence and digital technologies on investment decisions and global markets.
The panel discussion that followed brought together perspectives from both the technology and business sectors. Panelists included Terry Smagh, an NTU alumnus and Senior Vice President at enterprise software company Infor; Daniel Bucherer (Physics, Class of 1997), a TUM alumnus and Head of Cyber Threat Management DACH at IBM; and Dr. Shailesh More, Principal Functional Safety at AI chipmaker Tenstorrent. As a graduate of the jointly awarded Integrated Circuit Design master’s program at TUM Asia, Dr. More is an alumnus of both TUM and NTU, making him a fitting example of the close connection between the two universities’ alumni communities.
Networking above the rooftops of Munich
Equally valuable as the on-stage program was the opportunity for personal exchange among participants. Following the formal program, guests continued their conversations over refreshments and snacks. Many alumni and students remained on the terrace of the Vorhoelzer Forum well into the evening, enjoying panoramic views of Munich while building new connections within the German-Singaporean community.
The open atmosphere and enthusiastic response to the event made the evening a successful example of how alumni networks can connect people across borders, disciplines, and generations.
Looking ahead together
The networking event demonstrated how alumni engagement and international university partnerships can complement and strengthen one another. It highlighted the close relationship between TUM and NTU and created new opportunities for exchange, collaboration, and networking within the global communities of both universities.
Opening the evening, Prof. Juliane Winkelmann welcomed alumni and students from both universities. Image: Mirja Kofler / TUM / NTU
Prof. Boh Wai Fong then emphasized the importance of international networks and lifelong connections with one’s alma mater for students and alumni alike. Image: Mirja Kofler / TUM / NTU
The evening’s keynote address was delivered by Prof. Byoung-Hyoun Hwang, who explored the impact of artificial intelligence on investment decisions and global markets. Image: Mirja Kofler / TUM / NTU
The panel discussion brought together alumni from different industries to share perspectives on technological and economic developments. Image: Mirja Kofler / TUM / NTU
After the formal program, conversations continued on the terrace of the Vorhoelzer Forum in a relaxed setting. Image: Mirja Kofler / TUM / NTU
Conversations between alumni and students shaped the evening’s close and fostered new connections across the international community. Image: Mirja Kofler / TUM / NTU